Two of Phelps’ granddaughters leave Westboro church, regret the pain they have caused others

Two granddaughters of Westboro Baptist Church firebrand Fred Phelps have split with the Topeka-based congregation, indicating their views have evolved and they now regret the pain they have caused others.

One of them, 27-year-old Megan Phelps-Roper, had been a highly visible member of the church who spoke to media outlets and spread its message via Twitter.

She and a younger sister, Grace Phelps-Roper, in November left the congregation known for its anti-gay stance and for picketing funerals of fallen soldiers and others.

“We ripped the Band-Aid off,” Megan wrote in a text Wednesday to The Star.

5. No, no, please no.

These 2 young women have been brainwashed since before they were born. It cannot be easy for them to see things from an outsider's perspective and walk away.

They need not have their behavior thrown back at them; they honestly didn't know better. They need to be welcomed back into the fold of compassionate beings so they can continue to evolve, just as one of their siblings who escaped earlier has taken them into her home.

In that way, the rest of the younger generation from that family can gather courage from their siblings and leave as well, until only the older members remain steeping alone in their hatred.